Party like a rock star, and maybe even with a rock star, at the Phoenix Hotel, which started the trend of hipster design hotels in San Francisco. Accommodations are little more than motor-lodge-style rooms with nicer beds, dressed up with cool paint jobs, tropical bungalow styling, imported island furnishings, and even contemporary pieces by local artists, not to mention in-room bamboo xylophones. Music celebs REM, Ben Harper, and Sonic Youth name the Phoenix a favorite crash pad. Chambers Eat + Drink on the street level provides built-in nightlife. A cost-effective oasis in this somewhat sketchy part of town, the Phoenix is not for everyone. Some people are drawn to its funky charm, friendly staff who know where and when to have fun around town, free parking, free poolside continental breakfast, and the often-rocking bar scene. Others, who should not stay here, find fault with the lack of plush amenities, the trashy neighbourhood (which is actually fairly central), and the late-night party noise (not a problem if you join the party).